by Mikethehack » Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:56 am
The one distinct advantage the Mini M has over the Thuraya is that it comes with a long cable that attaches to the antenna.The reason I mention this is because it is useful when you need to file,call someone or transmit stuff under fire.
With a Thuraya you need to be close to a window or large hole in the wall.I'm talking from uncomfortable experience here,otherwise it's simply a matter of horses for courses.Some of the snappers prefer the Mini-M,others the Thuraya.Personally I go for the Thuraya,but mainly because of it's size and weight.
The Mini-M is fine if you don't have to manpack all your gear and you know where you can find a reliable and available power source.It's good for those who are well paid,well equipped and well planned.I believe it has a faster transmission rate too.
One thing to bear in mind is that while a satphone is the ultimate poseurs toy (it really pisses off the yuppie cell phone crowd at your local wine bar),you should remember that 95% of the world has cellphone coverage and buying a 'pay as you go' or renting a cellphone is far cheaper.
As for security,do your homework in advance and learn to speak in code to those on the otherside.If you need to file,send photos etc,talk to the local journo's in the area or someone from the international crowd who has just come back from there.
Satphones are a piece of kit I don't carry willingly.It implies hard work and being sent to the backside of nowhere.IE no McDonalds.